Global Protein Transition: Netherlands Completes Mission to Canada and USA

18 Aug Global Protein Transition: Netherlands Completes Mission to Canada and USA

The global focus on sustainable and balanced protein consumption has brought Canada, the United States, and the Netherlands to the forefront of a vital shift in food consumption. These countries play a crucial role in the protein transition, with the Netherlands currently holding a 40/60 plant-to-animal protein consumption ratio and aiming to achieve an equal 50/50 balance in the coming years. Achieving this goal necessitates collaborations and partnerships among different parties and sectors, including start-ups, companies and international cooperation with Canada and the United States.

The Dutch Delegation

To foster and strengthen these partnerships, the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) initiated and organized, with immense help from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Chicago, Illinois and Vancouver, British Columbia, Oost NL, and (NCCC Member) InnovationQuarter, an innovation mission to Canada and the United States from June 19-23, 2023. The delegation was comprised of the following companies and organizations: Cefetra Group BV, Fascinating, (NCCC Member) Food XLerator BV, Rabobank, Ruitenberg Ingredients BV, Schouten Europe BV, Topsector Agri & Food, and Wageningen University & Research (WUR). Unlike traditional trade missions, the mission sought out to explore the alternative proteins ecosystem in both Calgary, Alberta and Minneapolis, Minnesota as well as explore trends and collaboration opportunities in research and development.

The Canadian Prairies

During the visit to Calgary, the Dutch delegation discovered Calgary's strategic focus on plant-based foods and witnessed the concerted efforts of Protein Industries Canada (PIC) to establish Canada as a global leader in plant-based protein production. Visits to innovative companies like Lovingly Made Ingredients and Botaneco Inc. provided valuable insights into sustainable ingredient manufacturing and cutting-edge plant-based protein development. The delegation had the opportunity to learn about the city of Lethbridge’s significant contributions to the agriculture sector and PIP International’s highest functioning pea protein isolate, observe Stamp Seeds' unwavering commitment to high-quality seed production, and admire Olds College of Agriculture & Technology’s thorough understanding of applied research and integrated learning. The culmination of visits came with a seminar on Monday afternoon (June 19) focused on international innovation in the alternative protein sector, where Dutch and Canadian stakeholders came together to exchange perspectives and explore avenues for collaboration.

As a result of their visit to Calgary and the surrounding areas, the Dutch delegation gained valuable insights into the provincial and regional strategic focus on plant-based alternatives, as well as innovative practices in sustainable ingredient manufacturing and plant-based protein production. These findings have set the stage for potential collaborations between Dutch and Canadian stakeholders in the alternative protein sector, promoting the exchange of knowledge and sparking opportunities for joint advancements in this dynamic and continuously evolving industry.

This mission marked a significant step in establishing partnerships between Canada, the US, and the Netherlands, facilitating future cooperation in the alternative proteins arena.

You can read more about the visit and other stops along the "Protein Highway" here.